He floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, darting and dancing his way to boxing’s heavyweight world championship. In the process, the fleet-footed and motormouthed fighter became King of the Ring and more: a cultural icon who dominated headlines, generated controversy, and enthralled even those audiences uninterested in the sport. Learn the fascinating facts about this dazzling champ:

-How he began boxing at only age 12?and the trainer who first knew he was something special

- His involvement in the controversial Nation of Islam

- What happened when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War

- Round-by-round coverage of his ?Rumble in the Jungle” and ?Thrilla in Manila” matchups with George Foreman and nemesis Joe Frazier